A New Tool for Homebuyers: FG Launches Portal to Report Housing Fraud

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards cleaning up Nigeria’s housing sector with the launch of a new digital portal designed to empower citizens to report fraudulent practices. The Housing Fraud Reporting System, which can be accessed at https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng, was unveiled by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in a ceremony held in Abuja.

The move is a direct response to the widespread scams that have plagued the real estate industry, leaving countless Nigerians out of pocket and without a home. The Minister stated that the ministry’s action is guided by the 2012 National Housing Policy, which mandates the government to create a robust regulatory framework for the housing industry. “The portal will empower Nigerians to report fraud, track cases, and strengthen transparency in real estate transactions,” Dangiwa said.

The initiative, which was developed in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is expected to tackle some of the most prevalent real estate frauds in the country. These include “Omo Onile” (land grabber) scams, where individuals falsely claim ownership of land and collect money from unsuspecting buyers. The portal will also allow for the reporting of fake property listings, where fraudsters advertise non-existent properties, as well as the notorious practice of selling a single property to multiple buyers.

The Head of the Ministry’s ICT Department, Dr. Marcus Amiolemen, explained that the portal is designed to be user-friendly, allowing citizens to submit complaints and upload relevant evidence. The ministry will review the reports and work closely with professional bodies and law enforcement agencies to ensure that culprits are brought to justice.

The launch of the portal is a critical first step towards restoring public trust in Nigeria’s real estate market. For many Nigerians, the dream of home ownership has been shattered by fraudulent agents and dubious developers. The new platform offers a credible, safe, and transparent channel to report these crimes, signaling the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens. With a clear channel for redress and a promise of collaboration with law enforcement, the government hopes to create an environment where Nigerians can invest and own homes with confidence, free from the fear of fraud.